AfricaInteract Enabling research-to-policy linkage for adaptation to climate change in Africa

1. AfricaInteract Enabling research-to-policy linkage for adaptation to climate change in Africa Presentation at the AfricaInteract side event during the CORAF/WECARD Science Week (May 13-19, 2012) May 14, 2012, Ndjamena, Chad By Dr. Abdulai Jalloh, Project coordinator

2. Presentation outline Introduction Strategic focus of AfricaInteract Implementation framework Objectives, Outputs Key activities

3. Introduction Climate is hardly a new factor in Africa’s history but with global warming the continent’s vulnerability is deepening making it the most exposed region in the world to the impact of climate change (World Bank 2006)

4. Impact on water resources • Niger river stream flow fell by 30% • Senegal and Gambia by 60% In 1964, Lake Chad measured 25,000 square kilometers. Its size has, however, shrunk to a mere 5 % of its original size.

5. Impacts of climate change in SAA • 10 – 15 % of species likely to be lost in an Africa that is 2 ⁰C warmer • Yields from rainfed agriculture fall by as much as 50% by 2020 • Declines of 40 to 90 % of grassland productivity in semi arid and arid regions • Many pests and diseases of crops , animals and humans could change • Productivity in fisheries is likely to be reduced due to habitat displacement towards higher latitudes

6. Research impacting livelihoods

7. Climate Change adaptation in Africa (CCAA) The CCAA Program supported by the IDRC and DFID was launched in 2006 with the following areas of focus: • Participatory action research resulting in adoption of solutions beneficial to vulnerable African communities (ii) Education and training resulting in the strengthening of the capacity of African scientists through workshops and research bursary program - Adaptation to Climate Change Fellowship Programme (ACCFP); (iii) Communication and networking through the creation of a web-based tool such as AfricaAdapt

8. Strategic focus of AfricaInteract • A virtual and physical space for a dynamic and systemic multi-stakeholder process that will facilitate interactions and knowledge flows among key stakeholders at both regional and continental levels with regard to climate change adaptation.

9. Continental Coverage

10. Link with Africa’s Development Framework Pillar I NEPAD Pillar II CAADP Pillar III FARA Pillar IV CORAF/WECARD NASRO ASARECA CCARDESA

11. Model for facilitating interactions

12. Objectives General: • Develop a platform for the effective and efficient transfer of information from researchers to policy makers, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations Specific: • Promote and support effective documentation and sharing of information to improve climate change adaptation policy in Africa • Identify policy gaps, support related action research, and promote the integration of climate change research into development policies, strategies, programs and projects at continental and sub-regional levels

13. Outputs Gaps in current knowledge on climate change policy research addressed Climate Change information and knowledge system improved and promoted Capacity of sub-regional and continental decision-makers to articulate policy options for climate change adaptation strengthened Framework for discussions and development of climate change policy options established

14. Key activities • Analyze gaps in relevant policy-options to enhance an enabling environment for adaptation to climate change • Support appropriate packaging and dissemination of relevant climate related information • Organize strategic workshops and round tables involving research scientists and decision-makers to facilitate dialogue and capitalize on synergies • Train target groups on key issues to enable them to effectively analyze climate change issues and negotiate effectively • Provide support for appropriate individuals and organizations to attend international conferences and effectively articulate Africa’s position on climate change

15. Results achieved • Project objectives, expected outputs, activities and milestones better understood by key stakeholders • Major project partners identified in the West and East Africa sub regions • Responsibilities of major partners and collaborators in implementing the project in the respective regions identified • Some key policy makers sensitized on climate change and AfricaInteract • Advisory Board established

16. AfricaInteract Advisory Board

17. Other key planned activities • Sensitization in central, North and Southern Africa • Synthesis of research results • Workshop on key institutions and conventions, protocols related to climate change (IPCC, UNFCCC, Biodiversity, Displaced persons etc) • Packaging and dissemination of relevant information - AfricaAdapt

18. Thank you